DUSSELDORF, Germany, November 22, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The manufacturers of medical technology and medical products have weathered the phase of economic and financial crisis well, now noticing a strong tailwind for their businesses and proving a driver for growth with their innovations. This is the core message to be taken away from the four days at the world's largest medical fair MEDICA 2010 (17 - 20/11/2010) as well as from the leading fair for the upstream supply market, COMPAMED 2010 (17 - 19/11/2010). Conducting a tour around the exhibition on 17 November, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Federal Health Minister Philipp Rösler were also able to convince themselves of the performance of the medical technology industry. "MEDICA is an impressive shop window on the health industry. However, our leading role in the medical business is not known everywhere. For this reason it is important for this sector to feature centrestage," explained Chancellor Merkel in her speech.

Alongside this high-ranking visit from members of the political sphere, visitor numbers also confirmed the highlighted global status of MEDICA and COMPAMED as leading trade fairs in their sectors. Of the 137,200 visitors - matching the very good level also achieved last year - 72% were decisively or significantly involved in decision-making. About half the visitors came from abroad.

The medical experts from throughout the world were offered a wealth of innovations for the entire patient "workflow" in both in and outpatient care by a record attendance of 4,400 MEDICA exhibitors from 64 nations.

Held in conjunction with MEDICA was COMPAMED, the international trade fair for the upstream suppliers of the medical industry. 575 exhibitors from 37 nations presented to the over 16,000 visitors a wide spectrum of technology and service solutions for use in the medical industry - from new materials, components, primary products, packaging and services through to complex micro systems and complete contract manufacture.